Bomba Estéreo and Carlos Vives Unite for “La Samaria” — A Love Letter to Santa Marta
Colombian music icons Bomba Estéreo and Carlos Vives have joined forces for a powerful new single, “La Samaria,” a vibrant homage to their shared hometown of Santa Marta. Released just in time to celebrate the city’s 500th anniversary, the track honors the spirit, roots, and energy of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
A Musical Tribute to Santa Marta
Produced by Carlos Vives, José Castillo, Andrés Leal, and Casta, and mixed and mastered by Lewis Pickett (C. Tangana, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso), “La Samaria” is a lush blend of tropical rhythms and modern soundscapes that celebrate the heart of Colombia’s oldest city, a place where mountains meet the sea.
The accompanying music video, directed by Cristian Saumeth, captures the colorful pulse of Santa Marta, from its coastal life to the mystical foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The visuals mirror the song’s message of pride, nostalgia, and spiritual connection.
Li Saumet: “A Song from My Homeland”
Lead singer Li Saumet shared how deeply personal “La Samaria” is to her:
“This song means a lot to me because it’s from my homeland where I was born and raised, where I learned to connect with the Sierra, the people, and the cultures of my land. It’s a sacred place, and I wanted to share that energy in a song. I invited Carlos because he embodies that same Samarian spirit and love for the land.”
Carlos Vives: “A Song of Unity and Pride”
For Carlos Vives, the collaboration represents a celebration of identity and belonging:
“Sharing this song that celebrates the Samarian spirit with Bomba Estéreo fills me with joy. It’s a song of unity, pride, and nostalgia reflecting what Li and I feel every time we return to our home.”
A New Chapter for Bomba Estéreo
“La Samaria” marks Bomba Estéreo’s first release since their collaborative ASTROPICAL project with Rawayana, which dropped its critically acclaimed album earlier this year. The Guardian hailed the supergroup as “the Latin collective healing our broken brains,” praising its joyful, cosmic fusion of tropical rhythms and astrology-inspired energy.
With this new single, Bomba Estéreo continues to push boundaries while honoring their roots, reaffirming their position as one of Latin America’s most innovative and influential acts.
The Legacy of Bomba Estéreo
Since their breakout hit “Fuego” in 2009, Bomba Estéreo has redefined the sound of Latin alternative music. Albums like ‘Elegancia Tropical’ (Latin GRAMMY-nominated, 2013) and ‘Amanecer’ (GRAMMY-nominated, 2015) produced global hits such as “Soy Yo” and “To My Love,” songs that have amassed hundreds of millions of streams and become cultural touchstones.
Their 2021 album ‘Deja’ earned multiple GRAMMY nominations and was named “Best Album of the Year” by The New York Times. Known for their electrifying live shows, the band has performed on stages from Coachella to Lollapalooza, bringing Colombian rhythms to audiences around the world.
Over the years, Bomba Estéreo has collaborated with global stars including Manu Chao, Nelly Furtado, and Bad Bunny, their collaboration “Ojitos Lindos” becoming a worldwide sensation with over 3 billion streams.
With “La Samaria,” Bomba Estéreo and Carlos Vives deliver a song that captures the essence of home, heritage, and the soul of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, a heartfelt celebration of music, culture, and identity.
